Study Sesh 101

Test taking can be stressful for many students, especially during college finals. But, never fear! We have some helpful tips on how to do it more successfully! Implementing these tips into your regular study routine will help you to efficiently and effectively learn course material. Experiment with them and find what works for you.

  • Get organized.
    Start with some simple tools – calendars or planners, notebooks or binders, sticky notes, digital tools, etc. These will help you get organized and stay organized. Writing things down is the best way to remember the things you need to keep track of.
  • Take note of your learning style.
    Think about how you learn the best. Note-taking is proven be the most effective way to remember course material. There is no right or wrong way to take notes. They can be messy and words can be misspelled, as long as you know what they say, that’s good enough. To jump start your thinking about note-taking, watch one of these videos about how other students take notes.
  • Decide where you will study.
    If you are at home, set up a place that allows you to both be comfortable and stay focused. It can be a desk, sofa, kitchen table, bed, or even the floor. Whatever works best for you! Check out our Study Sesh 101: Crafting the Ultimate Space infographic for things to consider!
  • Make healthy choices.
    Your body is a machine. It works better when you fuel it with healthy food, stay hydrated, move it around, and rest and relax it.  A “treat” here and there is no big deal, but on balance, do your body and your brain a favor (as well as your stress levels) and do your best stay healthy.
  • Know that you are not alone.
    Yes, college students take charge of their own learning, but Western has a team in place you can reach out to you every step of the way. Talk to your instructor or contact the Learning Commons for support with math, writing, health science, tutoring, and more: www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons